[nagdu] Guide Horse, was: Have to Ask

[Ann Edie]

Hi, Sarah,

Panda was privately trained for me by Alexandra Kurland, who wrote the 
foundation books and other resources which introduced the horse training 
world to clicker training.  So, naturally, all of Panda's training was done 
using the clicker and positive reinforcement.  But really, she was quite a 
confident youngster, even when we got her, at 8 months old.  She was quite 
curious about things, not easily spooked.  If she encountered something 
unfamiliar on her early walks with her trainer, Alex would click and reward 
Panda for standing and looking at the unfamiliar object.  Usually that was 
all it took to let her know that strange objects were sources of good 
things--rewards--rather than dangerous.

Besides, miniature horses are much easier to control than a full-sized 
horse--Panda is easier for me to hold onto than my 70-pound GSD guide dog 
was.  Panda has never spooked and tried to bolt off, which is something my 
GSD guide dog did frequently.  About the most spooking Panda has ever done 
is a quick little startle, after which she is right back at work.  When she 
does startle, it is usually something that truly needs to be watched out 
for.  A lot of miniature horses have the same calm temperament as Panda has.

By the way, if anyone wants to learn more about Panda's training and how she 
works, or about clicker training, you can go to Alexandra Kurland's website: 
http://www.theclickercenter.com.

There is also a book by Rosanna Hansen about Panda and me.  It is called 
Panda: A Guide Horse for Ann, and it is available through the Library of 
Congress in Braille and recording, and through bookshare.org.  It was 
written primarily for elementary-age children, but has a lot of information 
in it.  And sighted people will appreciate the photographs in the original 
print edition.

Best,
Ann

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "sarah baebler" <wolvessarah at hotmail.com>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:39 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Horse, was: Have to Ask


>
> Ann,
> I have a question and I'm not trying to make fun or anything.  I'm curious 
> to know the process of desensitizing a horse.  I work at a stable and 
> horse get spooked sometimes, esp by snakes.  I'm wondering what the 
> program does for the horses when their young.  Like at GDB they put them 
> in rooms with kids, cats, and other animals. Do they do that?
> Curiously,
> Sarah
>
>> From: annedie at nycap.rr.com
>> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 04:41:29 -0400
>> Subject: [nagdu] Guide Horse, was: Have to Ask
>>
>> Hi, Nicole,
>>
>> I guess that would be me, Ann Edie, and my miniature horse guide, Panda.
>> Panda has been my guide for almost six years now, since the summer of 
>> 2003.
>>
>> I'm not sure exactly what you mean by the differences in behavior between
>> guide dogs and miniature horse guides, but Panda performs all the same 
>> guide
>> tasks as a well-trained guide dog does.  The care of a miniature horse is
>> generally similar to that of a dog--feeding, grooming, relieving, and
>> providing exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship.  Some of the
>> details are different, of course, due to the different species.
>>
>> As far as access issues are concerned, I have had very few instances of
>> reluctance on the part of business operators to allow me into their
>> facilities with my guide horse.  The exception has been one of the major
>> guide dog training programs and airlines.
>>
>> The major differences between working with a guide horse and a guide 
>> dog--I
>> worked with 3 guide dogs before getting Panda--from my point of view, are
>> that I never have to worry about Panda bolting off to chase a cat or 
>> other
>> animal, and that I can expect my partnership with Panda to go on getting
>> deeper and more wonderful for decades to come.
>>
>> I'm happy to answer any other questions you have about working or living
>> with a guide horse.
>>
>> Best,
>> Ann
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Nicole B. Torcolini" <ntorcolini at wavecable.com>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 4:11 PM
>> Subject: [nagdu] Have to Ask
>>
>>
>> > It has come up twice recently and I can't help but asking.  Who owns 
>> > the
>> > guide horse?  I would be interested in knowing more, especially how the
>> > behavior, care, and access issues compare to those of a dog.
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